longpulse

Longpulse is a term used across science and engineering to describe bursts of energy or operation whose duration is comparatively long relative to the brief pulses common in the same domain. There is no universal threshold; the exact duration that qualifies as "long" depends on application, technology, and the timescale of the system being considered. The concept is often paired with contrasts such as short-pulse, ultrashort-pulse, or continuous operation.

In laser technology, long-pulse lasers emit optical pulses typically ranging from microseconds to tens or hundreds of milliseconds, though some systems reach seconds. They deliver higher energy per pulse than shorter pulses and are employed in materials processing, laser annealing, and surface treatment. They are distinct from ultrafast lasers, which generate femto- to picosecond pulses.

Pulsed power and plasma physics: In pulsed power, long-pulse systems produce RF or electrical pulses that last milliseconds to seconds, enabling steady energy deposition and controlled heating of plasmas, inertial confinement experiments, or high-energy-density physics studies.

Medical and industrial applications: Long-pulse electrical stimulation, electroporation protocols, or diagnostic imaging may rely on longer pulses to modulate biological response. In industry, long-pulse lasers are used for drilling or thick-material processing.

Measurement and standards: Exact definitions vary; practitioners specify pulse duration, repetition rate, and duty cycle to characterize "long-pulse" operation. Related terms include "short-pulse" and "continuous wave."